Nov 9th, 2004 · A combination drug may soon become the first prescription medicine approved specifically for African Americans. The medicine, called Bidl, treats heart failure. Trials show the drug works much better than conventional therapies, but some worry the results could perpetuate myths about racial differences. Hear NPR's Snigdha Prakash.
Oct 17th, 2004 · NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with Dr. Paul Antony, chief medical officer for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. He offers the drug industry's perspective on the rising costs of prescription drugs, and responds to charges made Saturday by Dr. Marcia Angell, who accuses pharmaceutical companies of spending too much on advertising and making undue profits.
Sep 20th, 2004 · Two new skirmishes erupt between those who want Americans to be able to purchase less expensive prescription drugs from outside the United States. The government is releasing tests of drugs seized in July on their way to Americans who bought them from a Canadian pharmacy, which in turn purchased the drugs in Europe and shipped them through the Bahamas. Meanwhile, a consortium of Canadian Internet pharmacies is deciding whether to approve the practice of contracting with state and local governments in the U.S. to supply lower-priced Canadian drugs to employees and dependents on the governments' health plans.
Aug 18th, 2004 · Dr. Jerry Avorn is a Harvard Medical school researcher and clinician. His new book, Powerful Medicines, uses patient vignettes, scientific critique and statistics to examine the benefits and side effects of prescription drugs.